Tuesday, 9 September 2025

Police resources

Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (12:22): (1041) My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, police commissioner Mike Bush was asked whether budget cuts are coming for Victoria Police, and he responded, ‘I have asked the Premier directly, “What is the situation?” And the Premier and the minister are being very clear: “Live within your budget.” We need to live within the budget, the current budget that the government give us.’ Given the important work the police have been doing in the ongoing operation to apprehend alleged police killer Desmond Freeman, has a Treasurer’s advance (TA) been provided to Victoria Police to assist with these important operational matters?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:23): I thank Ms Crozier for her question. At the outset I thank Victoria Police for the tremendous work they do, and obviously we will touch on condolences later this afternoon in relation to the horrific events in Porepunkah and have the opportunity to thank and respect Victoria Police at that time.

Ms Crozier, no government has invested in police more than this one – budgets go up each and every year, investment goes up each and every year. In relation to your question specifically in response to whether a TA has been provided, a TA has not been sought. As is the case in relation to emergencies, that is one of the justifications for having a Treasurer’s advance, but no request has been made.

Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (12:23): Thank you, Treasurer, for that response, and given the police commissioner’s comments that he made, according to what the Premier has said – of ‘live within your budget’ – and the minister, not only the Premier. Treasurer, what advice have you therefore received as to the pressure this critical police work will place on the overall police budget?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:24): Ms Crozier, I do not want to get into operational decisions of Victoria Police. Obviously they will do whatever is required to respond to this incident, and there are hundreds of police that are up in the north-east region currently as we speak. In relation to Victoria Police’s budget, I have met with the chief commissioner and he is satisfied with his budget.